IGP Cautions Against Misuse of Police Videos, Seeks Stronger Media Cooperation

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of police-related video content, saying such practices, if poorly handled could damage officer morale, distort public perception, and compromise ongoing security operations.

Disu made the appeal recently during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, where he also called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media.

While reaffirming the Force’s commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for human rights, the police chief stressed that public scrutiny must be balanced with operational realities, especially in a security environment that remains highly demanding.

He noted that police officers across the country continue to operate under difficult and often life-threatening conditions, insisting that their efforts deserve public understanding rather than hostility or misrepresentation.

“Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness,” Disu said.

The IGP expressed concern over what he described as the rising trend of filming officers during routine or sensitive operations, warning that such actions could weaken morale and disrupt the effectiveness of security responses.

He urged members of the public and media practitioners to exercise caution when sharing content involving police activities, especially in real time.

“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he added.

Disu also raised alarm over the circulation of old or manipulated videos being passed off as recent incidents, saying such misinformation fuels panic and undermines national security efforts.

“We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he warned.

The police chief disclosed that policing in Nigeria has become more demanding, with officers now working extended and irregular hours due to rising security challenges.

“We no longer operate the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances,” he said, adding that the Federal Capital Territory Police Command alone lost about 140 officers in the past year through violent attacks, accidents and other duty-related incidents.

Despite the challenges, Disu insisted that the Force remains committed to internal discipline and accountability, noting that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face appropriate sanctions.

“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively,” he said.

He, however, emphasised the need to protect officers who are lawfully carrying out their duties from harassment and misinformation, describing balance as key to sustaining effective policing.

The IGP also called for sustained partnership with the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in the fight against insecurity.

He urged continued collaboration to promote accurate reporting and improve public understanding of security operations across the country.

Earlier, Chairman of CCAN, Mr. Festus Fifen, pledged the association’s commitment to responsible journalism and constructive engagement with security agencies.

“We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” Fifen said.

He also called for improved access to timely and credible information from the police to help curb misinformation during security incidents, assuring that crime correspondents remain committed partners in national security efforts.